Join us this week as we celebrate the importance of gathering with other women, sharing knowledge, and the importance of connection. This summer, we’re lifting each other, making new friends, and creating lasting connections as we can’t do it alone!
You asked for travel tips from the pros, and we're ready to deliver with a panel of dynamic women to inspire your summer vacations. So, we hosted friends of SCOUT Bags in our HQ showroom for a conversation with Margaret Rietano, who leads travel retreats for adults and kids alike; Alisa Cohen, founder of Luxe Traveler Club; Anna Price Olson, Editorial Director at Tuckernuck; and Miss Georgetown, Elizabeth Miller, our fabulous moderator.
The full name of Margaret Reitano’s game is fostering relationships. Margaret raised her four children down the street from Deb in Georgetown and has always been passionate about the great outdoors. After founding The Elements in 2007, Margaret became a Retreat Leader for Run Wild Retreats. These experiences are women-only, mindfully designed retreats to support you as a “whole” woman, not just a runner, mother, friend, community member, professional, or creative in you.
With itineraries built for wellness, Run Wild Retreats itineraries prioritize a balance between time to rest, recuperate, and explore. These trips inspire connection between women outside of screens, offices, and the home. Without breaks from our phones, laptops, and TVs, we lessen this connection, and Margaret aims to reconnect and enjoy the world waiting outside our doors.
On a similar scale, Alisa Cohen and her team at Luxe Traveler Club connect with you on a personal level and create itineraries catering to your style and budget. The word “Luxe” is exactly what comes to mind when imagining a boutique travel agency specializing in custom itineraries and personalized service. They make all the arrangements, so the only expectation is arriving and being treated like a VIP.
Alisa also shared a few travel priorities from her POV as an agent. When it comes to travel, she prefers to splurge on a fabulous hotel with the amenities, meals, and design that immerse you in the destination you’re visiting. In general, this all depends on your priorities and ways you aim to connect with the community you’re exploring. Many of her clients prefer to invest in activities, private or guided tours, and exclusive experiences beyond the hotel.
As the sharing continued, it was inspiring to see the true passion for travel, new experiences, and appreciation for contact. At Tuckernuck, one of many hats worn by Anna Price Olson is writing the travel for the brand. Anna recommends using Google Maps to flag places you’d like to explore, so you can plan your logistics and game plans accordingly. Booking the earliest appointment and visiting tourist attractions and museums first thing in the morning is an efficient and stress-free way to cross things off your vacay bucket list!
Having moderated many panels for us, we can always count on Elizabeth Miller to bring fabulous questions and style to our events. As a former Georgetown ANC Director, Elizabeth has bonded with her share of fascinating women and has generously recommended and secured speakers for many of our panels. We’re highly fortunate to have her talents in leading our panels and events and joining kindred spirits in the Georgetown community.
Much like Elizabeth, a big connector for Deb Johns is style. Deb shared her tips on wardrobes for packing in a carry-on only. Try to stick with one color if you’re able. Deb always sticks with black and a little white if needed. Picking a neutral based on your destination is a nice technique as well.
Leaning into topics that connect women of all ages and backgrounds in our community is a way we can create a reach beyond our products. The opportunity to gather with 50 women at our office is the perfect way for us to continue to educate, learn, and participate in valuable and intriguing topics. We hope you’ll explore your dream travel opportunities this summer as well and wish you new perspectives and connections along the way.
